Ponson rocked in Royals loss

Despite Sidney Ponson getting rocked again in his second start with the Royals this spring, it appears he’ll be the team’s fourth starter. He pitched five innings and gave up seven runs in a7-2 Royals loss to the A’s.

The Royals sent Luke Hochevar, the overall number one draft pick in 2006 to AAA Omaha. In five Cactus League games, Hochevar had a 3.86 ERA and a 1-0 record. In 16 1/3 innings, he gave up 17 hits and seven runs with four walks and seven strikeouts. Opponents hit .279 against him.

With Hochevar sent down, it almost guarantees that Ponson will be in the rotation. He’ll follow Kyle Davies, Zach Greinke, and Gil Meche, the opening day starter who makes his final tune up today.

The battle for the fifth spot comes down to Brian Bannister and Horacio Ramirez. Neither pitcher has done particularly well this spring, but my guess is manager Trey Hillman will utilize Ramirez out of the bullpen as a long reliever. If Ponson or Bannister would continue to fail in the starting rotation, Hillman would have the option to move Ramirez in from the bullpen or even call up Hochevar.